AICFI

Date: April 28, 2009

To: Fisheries Coordinators

From: Fisheries Liaison Coordinator

Science Advice Set Aside for 2009 4T Spring Herring Management Plan

(April 27, 2009) DFO’s biologists report that the abundance of spring herring is the lowest on record, and dangerously below a biologically sustainable level of 22,000 tonnes. In this situation, the precautionary approach is normally triggered to keep catches to the lowest level possible. However, the industry advisory committee rejected the scientific advice and recommended a 2,500 tonne TAC, consistent with last year’s level. The DFO Minister accepted the committee’s advice, with conditions:

• Catches must be directed to bait markets to reduce economic pressures on other fisheries.

• Spawning beds will be closed to all herring fishing.

• Weekly landing limits will be 10,206 kg.

• During a trip, no nets or herring on board between18:00 and 04:00. The opening date is June 1. Trip limits are 22,500 lbs. Fishing is prohibited noon Friday to noon Saturday in 16 C and E, and noon Friday to noon Sunday in 16 B.

• The minimum mesh size in the spring personal bait fishery is 57.1 mm, and the maximum combined quantity of herring and mackerel onboard at anytime is 907 kg. These landings should be reported in a logbook.

This is a complex management plan. Fishers should be aware of all regulations. For more information contact David Dunn or Jodi MacIntosh at (506) 627-4611, or check the DFO website at http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fam-gpa/herring-hareng/index-e.php

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